Flash-flood warnings nationwide

Fourteen provinces were yesterday put on alert for mudslides and eight were warned to prepare for flash-floods, as heavy rain continued.

The Department of Mineral Resources warned that landslides could occur in eight northern provinces (Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak and Uttaradit), three eastern provinces (Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat) and three southern provinces (Chumphon, Prachaup Khiri Khan and Ranong).

It also warned that flash-floods could occur in Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Ubon Ratchathani in the Northeast, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong and Trat in the East, and Prachaup Khiri Khan and Ranong in the South.

Low-lying areas in Tak's Mae Sot district, as well as areas near the Moei River and a reservoir in Ban Khang Phibal, are being closely monitored.

The other areas at risk are located at foothills, where flooding is automatic if rainfall reaches 100 millimetres for more than two days running.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he had instructed officials down to the district level to prepare assistance plans in the event that flash-floods or other emergencies occur.

Relevant government agencies had coordinated very effectively to cope with any problems, he said.

The Nation

North stiffens defenses against expected floods

CHIANG MAI, July 6 (TNA) - Local authorities here said Thursday they are prepared to cope with flash floods from rains expected late this month in the north.

Thada Sukabunaphan, director of the northern Center for Hydrology and Water Management, said the region anticipated monsoon rains and his office has assigned staff to monitor water levels in rivers and dams.

"We are also keeping close contact with the Meteorological Department," he said.

Mr. Thada said officials have released some water from Mae Ngad and Mae Kuang reservoirs in Chiang Mai province to free up half their capacity to receive anticipated rain water.

There is now about 68 million cubic metres of water in Mae Ngad reservoir and 130 million cubic metres stored in the larger Mae Kuang reservoir, Mr. Thada said.

''At present there is no cause of concern," he said. "But we need to pay attention to storms which can cause water levels to rise rapidly.''

Provincial authorities set up a flood monitoring centre at city hall linked to district offices and will keep the public informed through local media and other communication channels.

He said the public also could access up-to-date weather information from a government web site. Billboards warning against flash flood would be erected at Nawarat Bridge.

Local government workers have prepared sandbag barriers reinforced with concrete columns in business districts, while the military plans to deploy up to 2,000 soldiers in case of serious flooding.

TNA